Heavy security was deployed outside the Naivasha Law Courts as persons of interest linked to the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil were arraigned before the court.

According to the videos seen by People Daily Digital on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, police officers were stationed around the court premises to maintain order as members of the public, relatives and journalists gathered to follow proceedings in a case that has gripped the nation following the tragic loss of 16 students.

The seven students, who are among the students identified by investigators as persons of interest in the dormitory fire, were presented in court days after their arrest as detectives continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze.

Preliminary report

Preliminary investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) pointed to suspected arson, with authorities indicating that several students were linked to the planning and execution of the incident.

In a statement shared on the DCI Facebook account on Friday, May 29, 2026, the investigators said preliminary investigations had identified eight students as persons of interest linked to the planning and execution of the suspected arson attack.

“Investigators have conducted extensive interviews with students, teaching staff and other witnesses, while forensic teams carry out a detailed review of available CCTV footage,” the DCI stated.

Reason behind setting dormitory on fire

Investigators say the girls told detectives they were upset over several issues at the school, including changes to the examination timetable, the introduction of a fee for a cultural event, and influence from peers after a nearby boys’ school staged a strike.

According to police findings, the plan to set fire to the dormitory was allegedly made around 9 pm and carried out about three hours later.

CCTV footage is said to have captured key moments leading up to the incident, including the preparation of matchboxes and paraffin hours before the blaze.

On the fifth day of investigations, detectives remained at Gilgil Police Station, where the seven suspects were being questioned. Officers from the Child Protection Unit, alongside counsellors, took part in the interviews.